Psychiatrist Says Johnny Depp's Behaviour Is Consistent With Someone Who Carries Out 'Intimate Partner Violence'

Dr. David Spiegel, a psychiatrist and a physician by profession has testified in the court today that Johnny Depp's behavior is consistent with someone who carries out ‘intimate partner violence.'

The doctor was called to the stand today on May 23 to speak regarding the defamation trial involving Johnny Depp and Amber Heard.  

Spiegel explained that he has treated thousands of patients – 75 percent of whom have experienced substance abuse problems. 

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The doctor said that he has studied the impact of drugs and alcohol on the brain, and its causes and effects behind what's known as 'intimate partner violence' (IPV), saying it is a repetitive behavior over a period of time, which includes physical, emotional, psychological and sexual abuse.

"It's more than just the act of abuse," Spiegel said.

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The doctor was questioned on the stand by Heard’s attorney Elaine Bredehoft, Spiegel, who was asked to comment on the psychological profile of those who suffered and perpetrated IPV and whether or not they were consistent with Depp's behavior.

He said: “In my opinion – based on my review of the evidence, based on my clinical experience, based on my publishing experience, based on my teaching experience – that Mr. Depp has behaviors that are consistent with both someone who has a substance use disorder as well as behaviors of someone who is a perpetrator of intimate partner violence." 

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The doctor explained to the court in his testimony that: "We all get angry as people, we all think things about people. The difference is when our brains are in tact and acting well, most of us do not act them out."

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), IPV is a form of abuse in which one partner is abusive or aggressive in a relationship that normally occurs in a romantic relationship, and that 'intimate partner' refers to both current and former spouses and dating partners.

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It says on its website:

"IPV can vary in how often it happens and how severe it is. It can range from one episode of violence that could have lasting impact to chronic and severe episodes over multiple years."

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According to the CDC, IPV can include the following types of behaviors from the abusive partners in a relationship: physical violence ('when a person hurts or tries to hurt a partner by hitting, kicking, or using another type of physical force'); sexual violence ('forcing or attempting to force a partner to take part in a sex act, sexual touching, or a non-physical sexual event' such as sexting, when the partner does not or cannot consent); stalking ('a pattern of repeated, unwanted attention and contact by a partner that causes fear or concern for one’s own safety or the safety of someone close to the victim'); and psychological aggression 'the use of verbal and non-verbal communication with the intent to harm another partner mentally or emotionally and/or to exert control over another partner').

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